In the interest of accuracy, I want to point out that there is no similarity in the Christine Johnson case and the Donald Stevens issue. In the case of Christine Johnson there was no travel for relatives, no money missing, and no issues of misspending. The statement, “Unfortunately, the incidents involving Johnson and Stevens almost assuredly will be cited by those who think Colorado’s higher education isn’t spending its money properly” is totally misleading and infers that money was spent inappropriately at Community College of Denver.

There appears to be no such evidence. The firing of Christine Johnson was a vindictive act by the president of the community college system, which has happened before, for not following the company line. Every organization needs someone who will stand up and question bad decisions without fear of repercussions. The Denver Post would do better to thoroughly investigate the community college president and have the facts straight prior to editorializing.

This is precisely what was left out of my letter of yesterday. The Post, for reasons that are not apparent, used words like “deceit” and “lying” to describe Christine Johnson and her subordinate’s administrative decision on what to report for CCD’s reserves. The reality is that those reserves were CCD’s and were earned by superior administrative oversight. Who wouldn’t wish to exercise some control over their own bank account. For the Post to slip either purposely or unpurposely into the snare of loose accusations leveled by the Community College system shows that we are not dealing with journalists and editors that are unbiased. Rather, we are dealing with people who are interested in selling ink without a whits care of whose reputations they are ruining. Nice job, Harold. Denver Post, shame on you once again.

Richard A. Voorhees

This is precisely what was left out of my letter of yesterday. The Post, for reasons that are not apparent, used words like “deceit” and “lying” to describe Christine Johnson and her subordinate’s administrative decision on what to report for CCD’s reserves. The reality is that those reserves were CCD’s and were earned by superior administrative oversight. Who wouldn’t wish to exercise some control over their own bank account. For the Post to slip either purposely or unpurposely into the snare of loose accusations leveled by the Community College system shows that we are not dealing with journalists and editors that are unbiased. Rather, we are dealing with people who are interested in selling ink without a whits care of whose reputations they are ruining. Nice job, Harold. Denver Post, shame on you once again.

David R. Forward, darformail@g

Though late to the party, I whole heartily agree with both of the gentlemen posted above. The Denver Post has, once again, demonstrated either a lack of journalistic and editorial integrity; or, at the best, a very indifferent and lazy approach to honest reporting.

The entire “case” against Ms. Johnson was a vindictive response by a dictatorial — and wrong — overbearing administration whose philosophy is the proverbial “my way or the highway”. By continually squashing innovation and response to student needs, our community college system is mediocre at best.

The “smoking gun” of mishandling the reserves was merely a smokescreen. Ms. Johnson elected to understate the figures that she and her subordinates felt were inaccurate. That’s responsible fiscal policy — err on the side of caution, not excess.

Both the Denver Post and OCCS (especially the ruling Queen McCallin) should both be embarrassed by this travesty. The Queen for such elitist abuse of power; and, The Denver Post for both the unethical depiction of situation, and the irresponsible and/or lazy journalism demonstrated.

David R. Forward, darformail@gmail.com

Though late to the party, I whole heartily agree with both of the gentlemen posted above. The Denver Post has, once again, demonstrated either a lack of journalistic and editorial integrity; or, at the best, a very indifferent and lazy approach to honest reporting.

The entire “case” against Ms. Johnson was a vindictive response by a dictatorial — and wrong — overbearing administration whose philosophy is the proverbial “my way or the highway”. By continually squashing innovation and response to student needs, our community college system is mediocre at best.

The “smoking gun” of mishandling the reserves was merely a smokescreen. Ms. Johnson elected to understate the figures that she and her subordinates felt were inaccurate. That’s responsible fiscal policy — err on the side of caution, not excess.

Both the Denver Post and OCCS (especially the ruling Queen McCallin) should both be embarrassed by this travesty. The Queen for such elitist abuse of power; and, The Denver Post for both the unethical depiction of situation, and the irresponsible and/or lazy journalism demonstrated.

Guidelines: The Post welcomes letters up to 150 words on topics of general interest. Letters must include full name, home address, day and evening phone numbers, and may be edited for length, grammar and accuracy.

To reach the Denver Post editorial page by phone: 303-954-1331

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